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Expert Trip Tips - Securing Your Home Before Traveling

Whether you’re traveling for a two-day business conference or a two-week vacation, you’re going to want to be sure your home is secure and safe from vandalism, break-ins, and property disasters while you are gone.

According to the experts, the key is to make your home look lived in, even when you’re not there. Below are some excellent tips to give you peace-of-mind so you can thoroughly enjoy your time away.

Expert Tips from Security Professionals

Install an alarm system. Law enforcement experts report that homes without security systems are three times more likely to be burglarized as those without a security system.

Notify your local police department that you will be away. They can easily adjust their drive-by routes to keep an eye on your home.

Have motion detectors installed on your outside lights. This is an excellent security measure because the lights are triggered when someone is inside the range of the sensor.

Install exterior cameras that are triggered by motion and send instant notifications to you through your phone. Learn More about our Camera Systems.

Place a hold on mail, newspaper, and other deliveries while you’re gone. Nothing says ‘Rob Me’ like an overstuffed mailbox or a litter of newspapers across your front step.

Park a car in the driveway each night. Often a neighbor won’t mind parking in your spot and the occasional shift of position makes your home look occupied.

Set your home automation system to have various lights within your home go on and off at different intervals so it looks like someone is there.

Arrange for your driveway to be plowed and snow to be shoveled on your walkways, even if you’ll be away all winter. Not only will it appear you are home, but fire and police will have easier access in case of a fire, break-in, or emergency.

Expert Tips from Law Enforcement Experts

Join or start a neighborhood watch group. These are folks uniquely positioned and interested in watching your home when you’re gone and you can do the same for them.

Keep your valuables secured in a safe deposit box. These include your will, expensive jewelry, cash, and other things that can be easily stolen and sold.

Never give parking lot attendants and others who may temporarily drive your car your keyring. Your house key should never be handed to potential thieves.

Never leave a ‘hidden’ or ‘emergency’ key outside your home. Those are too easy to find and give a would-be thief very easy access. If you need an alternate way to get in, try a lock box or leave a key with someone you trust.

Expert Tips from Property Management Professionals

Install an automatic thermostat. This will keep the temperature in your home regulated. You can also set the temperatures appropriately to save money while you are gone, but still prevent disasters like frozen pipes.

Unplug everything but the freezer, refrigerators, and items you have put on timers. This will not only save money on your electric bill, but it will help avoid electrical problems.

If you’ll be gone for more than a week, turn off the internal water valve. Too many homeowners have come home to find an old pipe broke or the washing machine hose failed and their home is flooded.

Secure all the doors and windows by locking them before you leave. Sliding glass doors should have devices as simple as an appropriately sized rod dropped into the track to prevent an intruder from forcing the lock and opening the door.

Disable your garage door opener. Tech-savvy burglars can work out the code to trigger the door to open and gain access to your home.

Consider setting your water heater on the lowest possible setting when you travel – this will keep it functional while saving you money on your energy bills. Just remember to turn it back up before your first shower!

Going away can always be a bit stressful but now you can enjoy a peaceful and relaxing time away with one of Tasco’s newer products – Napco i-Bridge App. By combining a trio of devices, it brings home security to a whole new level. The i-Bridge App, linked with Z-Wave home devices and your alarm system, give you complete control over your home security. Learn More

Tasco Security has been provided Peace-Of-Mind Security solutions for over 47 years in the greater Upper Valley region of NH & VT. Check out our other Newest Technology Offerings, designed to make your next trip a walk on the beach.

Tasco Security has been providing peace-of-mind security solutions for residential and business customers to the Upper Valley Region of New Hampshire and Vermont for over 47 years. As the premier security provider, Tasco works closely with customers in designing the perfect solution for their unique needs and situations.